Hariprasad mulling protest against state govt?

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Disgruntled Congress lawmakers continue to be a thorn in the side of the party leadership as MLC BK Hariprasad on Saturday said that he would consider hitting the streets to ensure representation for smaller communities among the Backward Classes (BCs).

Hariprasad had made similar comments at a function organised by fellow Edigas, a caste of toddy tappers back in July.

Associated castes like Billavas and Deevaras were also among the organisers. The MLC said BCs were not just one caste – a jibe at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is a Kuruba (community of goat herders) – but rather consists of thousands of castes.

He added that other BCs had been ignored. He had also stated he knew how to elevate people to the post of CM and demote them as well. “I don’t who will be there (as the CM) for the second term.

That is not what I’m interested in. My struggle is not about me not being made a minister. My struggle is about ensuring that smaller communities get opportunities, which will continue.

We will keep this struggle going until these opportunities are extended to the communities,” Hariprasad told mediapersons.

On being asked what kind of struggle he would be pursuing, he said: “All kinds of methods will be deployed. We’ll even hit the streets if need be.”

Hariprasad, a former Leader of the Opposition (LOP) in the Council, had been in Deputy CM DK Shivakumar’s camp.